Top 10 Best Courier Services In The UK

The courier service industry in the UK has grown over the last decade to process triple the number of parcels annually. In 2013, the UK processed around 1.3 billion packages; the number rose to 4.2 billion in 2021. Experts attribute the boom to the growth of e-commerce and the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which led to an increase in online shopping.

Which Courier Service Is the Best for Your Needs?

Clarification about which courier service to use will be helpful, considering that there are 15,695 delivery companies in the UK. Fortunately, this list summarizes the best options to help you make the right pick.

1. Parcel ABC

Parcel ABC started operations in 2012 and has gained a reputation for being one of the best courier services in the UK. In 2021, it was among the best London-based companies.

Parcel ABC's main objective is to make global door-to-door deliveries affordable and straightforward. Therefore, the company has expanded its operations to Asia, other parts of Europe, Australia, and the United States.

The courier service boasts a unique system that unites local and international delivery companies. Its courier partners include DPD, IMX, FedEx, GLS, and ASV.

Parcel ABC's system offers real-time tracking, door-to-door service, and online payments. The platform is simple enough for anyone to use, regardless of technical know-how.

2. Hermes

Hermes dates back to 1974 when Grattan Mil Order launched a home delivery service through which staff and their families could deliver parcels and invoices to customers. The Yorkshire-born company has since evolved through different partnerships to become the provider we know today.

Hermes made history by becoming the first courier service in the UK to offer services seven days a week. Its dedication to providing convenience in delivery services saw Hermes expand its operations to at least 20 European countries. It has 4,500 ParcelShops in the UK alone.

The delivery firm provides customers with a variety of options to send parcels. It offers cheap courier services in the UK without compromising its quality. It has a Next Day service for fast and efficient delivery, while the Stated Day service is for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.

3. Royal Mail

Royal Mail is among the oldest organizations in the UK, having been founded in 1516 when Henry VIII knighted Sir Brian Tuke as the first Master of the Posts. In 1635, Royal Mail services were available to the public, with the first adhesive stamp introduced in 1840. A lot has changed since then; mail transportation no longer happens on horse-drawn coaches but through rail, water, road, and air.

Royal Mail operates in 230 countries categorized under different zones to determine the shipping prices. Businesses can open a parcel delivery account to save money and enjoy additional benefits such as free thermal labels. Customers also receive a dedicated account manager to ensure they get the most out of their account and free shipping solutions.

4. DHL

Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn were young shipping executives who wondered what they could do to increase the turnaround speed of ships at the port. They discovered that shipping documents between ports would ensure the assessment of documents before the vessels arrived, thereby reducing time wastage. As a result, DHL, an acronym for the first three letters of the executives' second names, came about in 1969.

The air-courier company grew to offer services covering 125 countries by 1984. The number has since almost doubled to 227 countries, with DHL employing over 380,000 people and supporting 70,000 destinations. Today, DHL prides itself on being the world's largest and oldest international air-courier service.

Companies can take advantage of the DHL Express business account that offers preferential rates to improve bottom lines. You also enjoy various delivery options, such as same-day, urgent, and less urgent. With a DHL Express account, customers access powerful shipping management solutions on MyDHL+.

5. UPS

Today, United Parcel Service (UPS) rakes in $100 billion in revenue, yet it started on a $100-loan in 1907. James E. Casey was a 19-year-old who realized the potential in the delivery service and borrowed $100 to launch his messenger company. He partnered with Claude Ryan, and together, they employed other teenagers who took the business to the next level. The company boasts a consistent commitment to customer courtesy, cheap rates, and responsibility.

UPS has gone from being a delivery service to having its aircraft fleet and a retail franchise business that enable it to maintain its principle of affordability to all. Today, it operates in over 220 countries and territories, employs 534,000 workers, and has nearly 2,000 flight segments daily.

It offers the benefits of guaranteed time delivery options and more daily time-definite express options. UPS even has a money-back guarantee on its services and multiple features to speed up the shipping process.

6. DPD (UK)

Dynamic Parcel Distribution (DPD) began in the 1970s as Courier Express but changed its name to DPD after LaPoste acquired it in 1992. It is one of the largest courier service providers in the UK, with at least 11,000 employees and 56 locations in the UK alone.

DPD boasts of Superhub, a 33-acre site that has over 8,000 vehicles in its fleet to facilitate the delivery of over 230 million parcels annually. The courier offers weekend delivery services and effective time management through Predict, which gives customers a one-hour window to collect or deliver packages. DPD also allows real-time tracking through the Follow My Parcel tool.

7. Parcelforce Worldwide

Parcelforce Worldwide is part of the Royal Mail Group, with its history dating back to 1986 when Royal Mail formed a separate parcel function, Royal Mail Parcel. Royal Mail Parcel rebranded to Parcelforce, which then turned to Parcelforce Worldwide in 1998 after the company underwent massive IT and infrastructure development.

With Parcelforce Worldwide, you can send your package online, through the post office, or by one of the company's depots. It offers great value for your money by providing excellent customer service, convenient delivery locations, and interactive parcel tracking.

8. Parcel2Go

Unlike the other entries in this list, Parcel2go flaunts itself as the top parcel broker in the UK, offering a cheap alternative to using the post office. It is a parcel delivery comparison website integrated with the supplier base to enable automatic linking up with the courier of your choice.

Parcel2Go provides 24/7 customer service that ensures smooth tracking and delivery processes. It boasts unrivaled postage costs, an extensive range of courier services, easy order management, convenience, and flexibility.

9. Yodel

Yodel is one of the UK's best courier services, with a 5% market share. It delivers over 190 million parcels annually through three delivery networks comprising door-to-door goods collection, petrol station delivery, and pick-up services.

Yodel's primary customers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and online marketplace buyers and sellers. It works with different sectors, such as health, fashion, entertainment, and food and beverage. The courier delivers to every postcode in the UK, thanks to its 50 sites nationwide and collaborations with partners such as Guernsey Post and Jersey Post.

10.Parcel Monkey

Parcel Monkey describes itself as a bedroom startup founded in 2010. It is an online platform that facilitates cross-border shipping and fulfillment solutions. The company partners with DPD, Parcelforce, DHL, DX, Tuffnells, CitySprint, and many more for same-day, next-day pallet, and international shipping. You can use the Parcel Monkey calculator to calculate how much it will cost you to ship parcels, so you can always go with what is within your budget.

Senders can ensure timely deliveries using the Track My Parcel tab on the Parcel Monkey homepage. The provider often discounts its services; for instance, first orders enjoy a 10% markdown.

Send Worry-Free Packages Today

This list of the best courier services in the UK eliminates any headaches you may have, wondering which company to trust with your parcel. You now have 10 of the best at your service. Choose wisely, and your package will be in safe hands without digging deep into your pockets.